International Connections - The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom

The Wine Guild is a Member of La Fédération Internationale des Confréries Bachiques (F.I.C.B.)

The F.I.C.B. is an umbrella organisation for more than 100 wine Brotherhoods across the world. The F.I.C.B. was created in 1964 and aims to promote and defend fine wines. Its headquarters are in the Wine Museum in Paris.

Most years, usually in May, an international conference of Brotherhoods is arranged:

• In 2001, Oregon, in the U.S.A., was the host.
• In 2002, the Commensale du Luberon, in France, organised the 39th Congress.
• In 2003, the 40th Congress took place in Slovenia.
• In 2004, the 41st Congress was hosted in Barcelona, Spain
• In 2006, Bergerac, in France, was the venue for the 42nd Congress

2008 Congress - in London

Congress has accepted our application to host the Congress in 2008 from 21st - 25th May. A Congress based in London is likely to attract widespread interest from all wine growing regions of the world and we can expect up to 250 delegates to attend with their spouses and partners. The theme of the Congress will be English Wines and the Wines of the Commonwealth.

Among the proposed highlights will be a Banquet in The Painted Hall at Greenwich and a visit to a major vineyard within easy reach of London. On the final day, Sunday 25th May 2008, it is intended that there will be a special church service in London with full ceremonial. It promises to be a very splendid occasion indeed. For full details and a booking form visit www.wgukcongress2008.co.uk.

The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom last hosted the FICB Congress in 1988 when it was a tremendous success. The Congress in 2008 is going to be another very significant occasion for the Guild and will require the involvement and support of as many members as possible. Members will be kept informed as plans progress and in the meantime any suggestions or ideas would be most welcome.

For a full description of the FICB visit
www.museeduvinparis.com